Methods, devices, and systems for integration, beam forming and steering of ultra-wideband, wireless optical communication devices and systems

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and system for beam forming and beam steering within ultra-wideband, wireless optical communication devices and systems. According to one embodiment, a free space optical (FSO) communication apparatus is disclosed. The FSO communication apparatus includes an array of optical sources wherein each optical source of the array of optical sources is individually controllable and each optical source configured to have a transient response time of less than 500 picoseconds (ps).

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/670,794 entitled “METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMSFOR INTEGRATION, BEAM FORMING AND STEERING OF ULTRA-WIDEBAND, WIRELESSOPTICAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND SYSTEMS” (Attorney Docket No.580/6/2/2 UTIL), which was filed on Feb. 14, 2022, which is acontinuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.16/916,414 entitled “METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR INTEGRATION, BEAMFORMING AND STEERING OF ULTRA-WIDEBAND, WIRELESS OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONDEVICES AND SYSTEMS,” (Attorney Docket No. 580/6/2 UTIL), which wasfiled on Jun. 30, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,251,865 issued on Feb. 15,2022, which is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US2019/018411 entitled “A FREE SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONAPPARATUS,” (Attorney Docket No. 580/6 PCT) which was filed on Feb. 18,2019, which claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/634,958 entitled “METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FORINTEGRATION, BEAM FORMING AND STEERING OF ULTRA-WIDEBAND, WIRELESSOPTICAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND SYSTEMS,” (Attorney Docket No. 580/6PROV) which was filed on Feb. 26, 2018, the entire contents of which areall hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for integration, beamforming and beam steering of ultra-wideband, wireless opticalcommunication devices and systems.

BACKGROUND

Beam forming and beam steering are useful radio frequency (RF)techniques that have been implemented for all types of communicationincluding fixed and mobile transmission links for military, telecom, andconsumer applications. Examples include multiple-input andmultiple-output (MIMO) and phased array antenna configurations. Beamforming and beam steering allow for reduced power consumption, higherdata through-puts, and increased transmission distances within a givenRF spectrum for wireless communications systems.

However, newly introduced free space optical (FSO) systems promise manyadvantages over their RF counterparts. For example, FSO systems do notpenetrate walls and doors and require line of sight (LOS) fromtransmitter to receiver. This restriction provides increased securityand less interference with adjacent systems. FSO systems generally donot create electromagnetic interference (EMI) and are somewhat immune toEMI from other sources. Additionally, newly disclosed FSO systems areallowing throughput data transmission capabilities much greater thateven millimeter wave systems in the 30 Gigahertz (GHz) to 300 GHz. Somesuch devices and systems are disclosed in PCT application WO 2017/139317titled ULTRA-WIDEBAND, WIRELESS OPTICAL HIGH SPEED COMMUNICATION DEVICESAND SYSTEMS, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.As such, beam forming and beam steering for FSO communications systemsare needed and may offer many of the same advantages as with RFcommunication systems.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for beam forming andbeam steering within ultra-wideband, wireless optical communicationdevices and systems. According to one embodiment, a free space optical(FSO) communication apparatus providing electrically controlled beamsteering is disclosed. The FSO communication apparatus includes an arrayof optical sources wherein each optical source of the array of opticalsources is individually controllable and positioned to provide a finitebeam enabling the array of optical source to provide a steerable farfield radiation pattern.

In some embodiments, each optical source within the array of opticalsources may be configured to operate at least partially within one ormore of an infra-red spectrum, a deep infra-red spectrum, anultra-violet spectrum, a deep ultra-violet spectrum, and/or a visiblelight spectrum. Each optical source may be a light emitting diode (LED)and each LED may be configured to have a transient response time of lessthan 500 picoseconds (ps). In certain embodiments, each optical sourceof the array of optical sources may be a surface emitting LED. In otherembodiments, each optical source may be an edge emitting LED.

In some embodiments, the steerable far field radiation pattern is anapproximate conical coverage pattern of at least 1 degree. In otherembodiments, the steerable far field radiation pattern is an approximateconical coverage pattern of at least 5 degrees.

In some embodiments, the array of optical sources may be configured totransmit over a conical coverage pattern of at least 60 degrees. Inother embodiments, the array of optical sources may be configured totransmit over a conical coverage pattern of at least 90 degrees. Inother embodiments, the array of optical sources may be configured totransmit over a conical coverage pattern of at least 120 degrees.

The FSO communication apparatus may be implemented within a stationarycommunication device. For example, the stationary communication devicemay be a wireless access point. In other embodiments, the FSOcommunication apparatus may be implemented within a mobile system. Themobile system may be implemented within an aircraft system. The aircraftsystem may be implemented within manned aircraft or an unmanned aerialvehicle (UAV). In other embodiments, the mobile system may beimplemented within an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). In certainembodiments, the mobile system may be implemented within at least one ofa manned or unmanned automotive system.

In other embodiments, the FSO communication apparatus may be implementedwithin a smart watch, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a personalcomputer, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, a computer monitor, aTV, a projector, a wireless access point, or an internet-of-things (IoT)device.

The FSO communication apparatus may be implemented within a virtualreality (VR) system or an augmented reality (AR) system. In someembodiments, the FSO communication apparatus may be configured toprovide transport for an uncompressed audio interface and/or anuncompressed video interface. The FSO communication apparatus may alsobe configured to provide transport for a high definition videointerface. For example, the high definition video interface may be aHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, a DisplayPortinterface port, or a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port.

The FSO communication apparatus may be configured to provide transportfor a high speed computer interface. In certain embodiments, the highspeed computer interface may be a Peripheral Component InterconnectExpress (PCI-Express) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface,a Serial ATA (SATA) interface, or an Ethernet interface. In otherembodiments, the high speed computer interface may be a gigabitinterface converter (GBIC) interface port, a small form-factor pluggable(SFP) interface port or a 10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable (XFP)interface port. In other embodiments the high speed computer interfacemay be an InfiniBand (IB) interface.

In certain embodiments, the FSO communication apparatus may furtherinclude a collimator disk, a collimator lens, one or more optical bandselect filters, and/or one or more optical polarizers. A first LED ofthe array of optical sources may be configured to transmit at a firstwavelength and a second LED of the array of optical sources may beconfigured to transmit at a second wavelength. A third LED of the arrayof optical sources may also be configured to transmit at a thirdwavelength. Similarly, this approach can be extended to embodiments withmore than three wavelengths.

In certain embodiments, the FSO communication apparatus may furthercomprise an array of optical detectors. Each optical detector of thearray of optical detectors may be electrically coupled with an opticalsource of the array of optical sources providing an array of opticalrepeaters. Each optical repeater of the array of optical repeaters maybe configured to receive an optical signal from a centrally locatedoptical source within the FSO communication apparatus.

In other embodiments, each optical source of the array of opticalsources may be a coherent optical source. For example each opticalsource may be a laser diode.

In another embodiment, an FSO communication apparatus providingelectrically controlled beam steering is disclosed. The FSOcommunication apparatus includes an array of optical sources whereineach optical source of the array of optical sources is positioned toprovide a cumulative far field radiation pattern having a contourresembling the general shape of a spherical dome. Each optical source ofthe array of optical sources may be a non-coherent optical source.

In some embodiments the spherical dome, generally defining the contourof the cumulative far field radiation pattern, may have a ratio of aheight to a radius of an associated sphere that is greater than 50percent. In other embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 70 percent.In still other embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 90 percent.

According to another embodiment, a floating device includes a first FSOcommunication apparatus and a second FSO communication apparatus. Thefirst FSO communication apparatus may be configured to establish a firstcommunication channel with a first aircraft. The second FSOcommunication apparatus may be configured to establish a secondcommunication channel with a first underwater vehicle. The floatingdevice may be configured to relay data between the first aircraft andthe first underwater vehicle.

The first FSO communication apparatus may include a first array ofoptical sources wherein each optical source of the first array ofoptical sources may be positioned to provide a first cumulative farfield radiation pattern having a contour resembling a general shape of afirst spherical dome. The second FSO communication apparatus may alsoinclude a second array of optical sources wherein each optical source ofthe second array of optical sources is positioned to provide a secondcumulative far field radiation pattern having a contour resembling ageneral shape of a second spherical dome. Each optical source of thefirst array of optical sources may be an LED and each optical source ofthe second array of optical sources may also be an LED. In someembodiments the floating device may be a buoy.

According to another embodiment, an LED light detection and ranging(LEDAR™) apparatus provides electrically controlled pulse steering anddetection. The LEDAR™ apparatus includes an array of LEDs wherein eachLED of the array of LEDs is positioned to provide a cumulative far fieldradiation pattern having a contour resembling a general shape of aspherical dome. The LEDAR™ apparatus also includes an array of opticaldetectors wherein each optical detector of the array of opticaldetectors is paired with an LED of the array of LEDs and positionedwhere a focal plane of each optical detector is perpendicular to a beamaxis of the paired LED.

The LEDAR™ apparatus further may further comprise incoherent opticaldetection circuitry coupled with each optical detector of the array ofoptical detectors. The incoherent optical detection circuitry may beconfigured to measure received amplitude changes in reflected light fromeach optical detector. In some embodiments, each LED of the array ofLEDs may be a surface emitting LED. In other embodiments, each LED ofthe array of LEDs may be an edge emitting LED. Also, each LED of thearray of LEDs may be configured to have a transient response time ofless than 500 ps.

In some embodiments, the spherical dome representing the cumulative farfield radiation pattern may have a ratio of a height to a radius of anassociated sphere greater than 50 percent. In other embodiments, a ratioof a height of the spherical dome to a radius of an associated spheremay be greater than 70 percent. In still other embodiments, a ratio of aheight of the spherical dome to a radius of an associated sphere may begreater than 90 percent. In some embodiments one or more of the LEDs ofthe array of LEDs may be configured to operate at least partially withinan infra-red spectrum, a deep infra-red spectrum, an ultra-violetspectrum, a deep ultra-violet spectrum, and/or a visible light spectrum.

In some embodiments, the LEDAR™ apparatus may be implemented within astationary device. In other embodiments, the LEDAR™ apparatus may beimplemented within a mobile system. The mobile system may be implementedwithin an aircraft system. For example, the mobile system may beimplemented within an UAV. In other embodiments, the mobile system maybe implemented within at least one of an unmanned automotive system or amanned automotive system. In certain embodiments, the mobile system maybe implemented within an autonomous automotive system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are notintended to be limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a system diagram illustrating a multi-wavelength,electronically steerable, wireless optical communication array dome(including a housing unit) according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a system diagram illustrating a multi-wavelength opticalsteerable array with wireless optical master Tx/Rx feed according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a system diagram illustrating a multi-wavelength domeshaped wireless optical steerable array with RF bus providing high-speeddata stream and the DC bus providing power and control logic forindividual Tx/Rx modules according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a diagram illustrating a multi-wavelength, ultra-highspeed optical steerable linear array according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a system diagram illustrating a pair of LUMEOVAdual-wavelength optical wireless transceiver (Tx/Rx) modules. The insetshows the picture of an assembled optical wireless Tx/Rx module.according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a graph illustrating a LUMEOVA collimating lens designfor wireless optical communication transceivers according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram illustrating a reflector/collimator disk forwireless long distance communication according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram illustrating a multi-wavelength,electronically steerable, wireless optical device for communication fromunderwater to air based platforms and vice-versa according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a system diagram illustrating a LEDAR™ (LED imaging,Detection and Ranging) for object-detection according to an embodimentof the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a diagram illustrating LEDAR™ used as active safetysystem in vehicles according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein.

FIG. 11 depicts a system diagram illustrating an access bub for wirelessLocal Area Network (LAN) according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein.

FIG. 12 depicts a graph illustrating a forecast of mobile data traffic(Source: Cisco VNI Mobile Forecast, 2016) according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts a diagram illustrating an example of surface patterndesign to increase the LED external efficiency according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts a diagram illustrating an example of top view of the LEDpatterned surface for rectangular light source according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 15 depicts a diagram illustrating an example of top view of the LEDpatterned surface for line shaped light source according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 16 depicts a graph illustrating an example of efficiency versustriangular indentation dimensions for GaAs based LED according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 17 depicts a diagram illustrating a single or multi-layer opticalfilter is deposited on top of the optical lens surface according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 18 depicts a diagram illustrating a single or multi-layer opticalfilter deposited on the bottom of the optical lens surface according toan embodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 19 depicts a diagram illustrating a single or multi-layer opticalfilter deposited on all sides of the optical lens surface according toan embodiment of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 20 depicts a diagram illustrating a single or multi-layer opticalfilter deposited on a physically separate element placed in between theLED and Detector die and the lens according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein.

FIG. 21 depicts a diagram illustrating a single or multi-layer opticalfilter deposited on the radiating or detecting surface of the LED and/ordetector semiconductor die. according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein.

FIG. 22 depicts a diagram illustrating a single or multi-layer opticalfilter deposited on the micro-lens or patterned surface of the LEDand/or Detector semiconductor die according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein.

FIG. 23 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of a chip-stackpackaging implementation of optical module which minimizes the interfaceparasitics between electronic chip and optical chips thereby increasingbandwidth and reducing size of the module according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein.

FIG. 24 depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of the chip-stackpackaging implementation of FIG. 23 according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein.

FIG. 25 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of an alternativechip-stack packaging of the optical module according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein.

FIG. 26 depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of the alternativechip-stack packaging of the optical module according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein.

FIG. 27 depicts a diagram illustrating a top view of anotherimplementation of the chip-stack packaging of the optical moduleincorporating optical and electronics chips according to an embodimentof the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 28 depicts a diagram illustrating a side view of the anotherimplementation of the chip-stack packaging of the optical moduleincorporating optical and electronics chips according to an embodimentof the subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatsame thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any termsdiscussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for integration, beamforming and beam steering of ultra-wideband, free space optical (FSO)communication devices and systems (i.e. wireless optical communicationdevices and systems). Disclosure of these FSO devices and systems isorganized as follows:

-   -   Electronically Steerable Optical Array for Wireless        Communication Networks        -   a. Multi-wavelength Optical Steerable Array for Commercial            Airborne Platforms        -   b. LED Imaging, Detection and Ranging (LEDAR™)        -   c. Ultra-High Speed Electronically Steerable Optical Array            for Wireless Communication Routers and Access Points    -   II. Backside Patterning to Improve LED External Efficiency    -   III. Optical Module with Integrated Optical Filters    -   IV. Wafer level packaging and assembly of optical modules with        electronic circuits

I. Electronically Steerable Optical Array for Wireless CommunicationNetworks

a. Multi-wavelength Optical Steerable Array for Commercial AirbornePlatforms

Modern commercial airborne platforms such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems(UAS) integrate numerous sensors which are capable of capturing vastamounts of information such as high-resolution imagery. Such informationoften needs to be communicated in real-time directly or indirectly toground personnel for analysis, decision and action. This requires theestablishment of secure, airborne, wireless networks and gateways tofacilitate communication of information among airborne platforms andground terminals at extremely high data rates. Conventional microwaveand millimeter wave radio systems struggle to meet the data raterequirements of airborne communication platforms due to insufficientbandwidth.

A novel, ultra-wideband, wireless optical communication link offers aunique combination of extremely high data rates, securepoint-to-multipoint communication and all-weather performance forairborne networks. The target communication speed is far in excess ofwhat is achievable with radio microwave and mm-wave modems and willoffer a revolutionary leap in real-time data communication amongairborne and space-based platforms. A multi-wavelength, opticalsteerable array based on ultra-high-speed Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)and detectors for long distance wireless communication which representssignificant improvement in bandwidth compared to existing radiosolutions is designed. This technology addresses the explosive demandfor high-data rate wireless connectivity in consumer mobile airborneapplications.

An effective wireless communication network must be capable ofmaintaining secure communication channels in a mobile environment. Thekey requirements of such a network include the following:

-   -   1. Multi-beam capability to establish point-to-multipoint        communication links.    -   2. Extremely high-data rate, full-duplex communication in a        multi-user network.    -   3. Maintaining good dynamic link over long distances in        all-weather conditions among fast-moving platforms.    -   4. Maintaining agility, security (multi-frequency) and immunity        to interference and jamming.    -   5. Minimal CSWAP (Cost, size, weight and power) suitable for        naval and air-borne platforms.

In almost every category above, microwave and mm-wave radio solutionshave fundamental limitations that arise from basic physical principles.LUMEOVA' s electronically steerable, wireless optical technology basedon ultra-fast LED/detectors offers a unique solution for thisapplication and can be implemented as microcell access points. Thistechnology addresses the explosive demand for high-data rate wirelessconnectivity in consumer mobile airborne applications.

The key advantages of electronically steerable optical array forwireless networks include the following:

-   -   1. Electronically fast, steerable beams which can maintain good        links among terminals whose positions and orientations can        rapidly change in a dynamic environment.    -   2. Multi-beam, bi-directional capability of the optical modules        supports point-to-multipoint communication links.    -   3. Secure communication through optical beams with wavelength        hopping which are not susceptible to interference and jamming by        virtue of spatial and wavelength diversity.    -   4. Extremely high data rates per individual node due to        multi-wavelength, full-duplex communication link.    -   5. High transmission efficiency, immunity to atmospheric        attenuation due to low path losses and all-weather performance        through proper selection of the optical wavelengths.    -   6. Low power consumption due to low path losses and high quantum        efficiency of optical LEDs as compared to transmission        efficiency of linear microwave/mm-wave power amplifiers.    -   7. Small size (volume, weight) and cost of the optical array        dome.

FIG. 1 depicts a system diagram 100 illustrating a multi-wavelength,electronically steerable, wireless optical communication array dome 102(including a housing unit 104) according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. In one example, wireless optical communicationarray dome 102 may be mounted underneath the airborne platform. Asimilar and second dome can be mounted on top of the airborne platformto provide complete wireless coverage of the entire mission space. Thedome includes a large array (hundreds or more) individual optical T/Rmodules each capable of operating at high data rates on one of multiplewavelength channels. Each module is designed to have a specific Field OfView (FOV) (or radiation pattern) through the proper design of theoptical lens in the module package. In this configuration, both spatial(MIMO) and wavelength diversity can be achieved which will dramaticallyincrease the total communication bandwidth of the network. Each T/Rmodule can be turned on/off individually or as part of a group ofmodules to illuminate a narrow or wide sector in the network airspace.

The transmitted optical power of each module can be adjustedindividually over a range of power levels. In a mobile combatenvironment, the position and orientation of each transceiver in thenetwork can change rapidly. Therefore, it is critical that the networkmaintain good communication links with each node through electronicsteering of the optical beams. The data streams contained in each beamcan include a small number of preset “training bits” which can be usedthrough a proper algorithm to estimate bit-error-rate (BER) of the linkand dynamically determine the optimum steering angle of the beam withinless than a millisecond.

One of the technical challenges of such array of high-data rate modulesis the distribution and aggregation of ultra-fast data streams (severalGbps) among the individual modules. Disclosed are two possibleapproaches for distribution and aggregation of high-speed data fromindividual modules and the central processing unit (CPU) of eachcommunication node.

FIG. 2 depicts a first approach of a system diagram 200 illustrating amulti-wavelength optical steerable array with wireless optical masterTx/Rx feed according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein. A Master Tx/Rx optical module transmits and receives all datafrom individual modules inside the optical dome. This communicationoccurs at a separate wavelength and at multiple data rate of individualTx/Rx data rates. For example, if each dome can support up to 10individual nodes in the network operating at 4 Gbps simultaneously, theMaster Tx/Rx will communicated at 40 Gbps inside the dome with the arraymodules. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) can be used to assign datapackets within the Master Tx/Rx data stream to individual modules. Theindividual modules are configured as a pair of back-to-back T/R modulesin a repeater configuration communicating with the Master Tx/Rx on onewavelength and with other nodes in the network on other wavelengthchannels. The DC bus which carries the power and control signals to thearray optical modules determine which modules are turned on and the Txoptical power level the wavelength channel of individual modules.

FIG. 3 depicts a second approach of a system diagram 300 illustrating amulti-wavelength dome shaped wireless optical steerable array with RFbus providing high-speed data stream and the DC bus providing power andcontrol logic for individual Tx/Rx modules according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein. The high-speed data stream is fedto the modules through RF signal distribution circuits designed on thehigh-frequency substrate that the optical modules are assembled.Similarly, the DC bus which carries the power and control signals to thearray optical modules determine which modules are turned on and the Txoptical power level the wavelength channel of individual modules.

The concept of multi-wavelength, optical steerable array can also bedesigned using a square, rectangle or any arbitrary structures. Theoptical steerable array is realized using application specific designstructures. These different designs can be used for point-to-pointbackhaul communication applications between buildings, towers etc. FIG.4 depicts a diagram 400 illustrating a multi-wavelength, ultra-highspeed optical steerable linear array according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein. In this example a rectangular shapedoptical steerable array is shown.

FIG. 5 depicts a system diagram 500 illustrating a pair of LUMEOVAdual-wavelength optical wireless transceiver (Tx/Rx) modules accordingto an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. An individualdual-wavelength optical transceiver module includes two ultra-high-speedLED and detector pairs and a SiGe chip containing the high speed analogand digital interface. The optical lenses on the package are designedfor an optimum individual beam width for the array. The physical size ofthe optical module can be made small (e.g. 3×6 mm²) which will allowintegration of several hundred or even thousands of modules in a smalloptical array dome with low CSWAP. The dual-wavelength architecture ofeach module enables full-duplex communication with another airborne nodeor can be used to double data transmission in each direction. Thisapproach can be expanded to multiple wavelengths within each module.Alternatively, adjacent modules can be designed to operate on differentwavelength in the same manner as individual RGB color pixels on ahigh-resolution TV display. These optical modules can be implemented asmicrocells in base stations.

LEDs and photodetectors in the optical modules are based on GaAs, GaSband GaN material systems optimized for ultra- high-speed operation, highoptical power density (LED) and high quantum conversion efficiency to beimplemented in base stations and access points. The secondary opticsdesign is vital to meet the desired requirements of the wireless opticalcommunication link. The design of the transmitter collimator lens isoptimized for small half-view angle for better security and efficiencyof the communication link. Collimating lens are designed to achievehalf-view angle of ±1° for a chip size of 0.2×0.2 mm² with efficiency of˜90% for 30 mm lens aperture. The divergence angle for wavelength of 1μm is given by Θ=tan⁻¹(λ/w)≈0.002° (e.g. very small).

FIG. 6 depicts a graph 600 illustrating a LUMEOVA collimating lensdesign for wireless optical communication transceivers according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. The divergence anglecan be further reduced by selecting a lower wavelength emission(Ultra-violet LED).

The wireless optical communication link budget takes into considerationchannel impairments due to absorption and scattering. The outcome ofthis analysis determines the required system parameters such as opticaltransmit power, receiver sensitivity, radiation beam width, pattern andsteering, range, modulation scheme and array requirements. TABLE I showsthe calculation of the link budget for optical wireless communicationusing LUMEOVA designed transceivers. The calculations are shown for alink distance of 20 km. The minimum detectable sensitivity versus thesignal data rate is shown in TABLE II. A free space optics link budgetcalculation in the following equations:

P _(RX) =P _(TX) +G _(TX)+Ω_(RX)

-   -   P_(RX)=Received Power (dBm)    -   P_(TX)=Transmitted Power (dBm)    -   G_(TX)=Transmitter Gain (dB)=(4R/S)²

Ω_(RX)=Receiver Directivity (dB)=(D/4R)₂

-   -   R=Distance    -   D=Diameter of the detector lens    -   S=Spot size

For R=20 km and half power beam width of ±0.5°, G_(TX)=47.2dB. For R=20km and half power beam width of ±1°, G_(TX)=41.2 dB

TABLE I Receive Aperture Diameter (m) Half Power Transmitted 0.1 1 10Beam Width Power (dBm) Received Power (dBm) ±0.5° 20 −50.9 −30.9 −10.930 −40.9 −20.9 −0.9 40 −30.9 −10.9 9.1   1° 20 −56.9 −36.9 −16.9 30−46.9 −26.9 −6.9 40 −36.9 −16.9 3.1

TABLE II Minimum detectable Data Rate (Gbps) sensitivity (dBm) 0.1 −40 1−30 10 −20 20 −16

The aperture of the optical array module is about 10 cm. From TABLE I,we see that for the receive aperture diameter of 10 cm, minimum transmitpower of 30 dBm is required to detect signal of 100 Mbps with half powerbeam width of ±0.5°.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram 700 illustrating a reflector/collimator diskfor wireless long distance communication according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein. The effective receive apertureincreased by 10 or 100 times with the incorporation ofreflector/collimator disk. The optical array module is positioned in thefocal place of the reflector disk. Increasing the effective receiveaperture by the collimating disk will enable to detect signal of higherdata rate for the same transmit power. As previously shown in TABLE I,for a transmit power of 30 dBm, the optical signal of 10 Gbps can bedetected when the effective receive aperture is increased to 1 m. Thereflector/collimator disk is positioned mechanically in the generaldirection of the transmitter. The signal tracking is provided byelectronic steering of the optical array module. From the calculationsillustrated in TABLE I, it is evident that with the propercollimator/reflector optics design and optimizing the transmitted power,the wireless optical link can be effectively used in excess of 20 km.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram 800 illustrating a multi-wavelength,electronically steerable, wireless optical device for communication fromunderwater to air based platforms and vice-versa according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. Basically, theconcept of multi-wavelength, optical steerable array can be extended todesign an optical dome for high speed underwater wireless communication.The dome includes numerous optical modules capable of transmitting andreceiving two-wavelength signals. The optical modules include LUMEOVAdesigned ultra-high speed transceivers. The optical modules are actuatedby either an RF bus or a master transceiver located at the center of thedome. The optical link between the master LED and the repeaters isbi-directional. The signal from the master LED is sensed by therepeaters which actuate the optical modules. While receiving signals,the optical modules transmit the information to the repeaters, therepeaters communicate to the master LED via the optical link in theopposite direction. The master LED operates at higher bandwidth than theLEDs in the optical module. The advantage of using LEDs as thetransmitters is to increase the field of view (FOV) of the array. LEDscan inherently operate over a wide FOV. The optical steerable array forunderwater communication can be used in conjunction with an optical domedesigned for free space long distance optical wireless communication.The optical dome in the lower part of the FIG. 8 is submerged in water.The optical dome in seawater communicates by optical waves atmulti-wavelength in the ‘green’ region of the spectrum. The opticalmodules in the dome is designed for ultra-high speed communication basedon LUMEOVA designed GaAs based transceivers for underwatercommunication. The optical dome in the air communicates in the freespace using multi-wavelength (infrared-ultraviolet) optical waves. Theproducts can address the critical limitations of the current underwatercommunication with host platforms using acoustic modems.

b. LED Imaging, Detection and Ranging (LEDAR™)

FIG. 9 depicts a system diagram 900 illustrating a LEDAR™ (LED imaging,Detection and Ranging) for object-detection according to an embodimentof the subject matter described herein. LEDAR™ (LED imaging, Detectionand Ranging) is an object-detection system that uses light waves fromultra-fast LEDs to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects.It can be used to detect aircrafts, motor vehicles, weather formations,and terrain. Unlike a LiDAR system which uses light from lasers fordetection and imaging, LEDAR™ uses light waves from LEDs instead. Thehigh frequency of light waves are highly advantageous in detecting andimaging objects of smaller dimensions. LEDAR™ is based on the principleof measuring distance through the time taken for a pulse of light toreach the target and return. A sharp rise and fall time of thetransmit/receive signal is required to precisely detect a moving objectwith high resolution. Airborne LEDAR™ can perform the identification andaccurate recording of objects to sub-meter accuracy. Ultra-high-speedLEDs and photodetectors are used as illuminators and receiversrespectively. The system of FIG. 9 also includes an optical dome (notshown) in which the ultra-high optical modules are embedded. The opticalmodules include ultra-high speed transceivers operating at single ormultiple wavelength(s).

FIG. 10 depicts a diagram 1000 illustrating LEDAR™ used as active safetysystem in vehicles according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein. The electronically steerable optical dome can beinstalled in automotive vehicles and self-driving cars for real timesensing and collision warning systems. Beyond passive safety systems,active safety systems play a major role in reducing traffic fatalities.Active safety systems include adaptive cruise control and collisionwarning systems with automatic steering and braking intervention.Electronically steerable optical dome can effectively be used as activesafety system in automotive vehicles. In a collision warning system, anoptical dome emits signals reflected from objects ahead, at the side andto the rear of the vehicle and are captured by multiple receiversintegrated throughout the vehicle. The optical collision warning systemcan detect and track objects in the frequency domain triggering a driverwarning of an imminent collision and initiate electronic stabilitycontrol intervention.

c. Ultra-High Speed Electronically Steerable Optical Array for WirelessCommunication Routers and Access Points

The commercial mobile, wireless industry is facing the problems of datatraffic explosion, and radio wireless connectivity bandwidth limitation.The ever-increasing consumer appetite for mobile multimedia content isdriving strong demand for smart phone and tablets based on 4G, LTE radiotechnology. Today's mobile devices equipped with high-resolutiondisplays and cameras are capable of capturing large amount ofmulti-media content that can be stored locally on the device. However,transferring and sharing of such content among devices requireshort-range connectivity modems capable of delivering speeds of 20 Gbpsor higher.

FIG. 11 depicts a system diagram 1100 illustrating an access hub for awireless Local Area Network (LAN) according to an embodiment of thesubject matter described herein. The access hub can communicatewirelessly (i.e. optically) with one or multiple devices on one or morewavelength (frequency) channels. The HUB node is at the center and thenodes at the ends of the spokes are referred to as device (DEV) nodes.High speed communication occurs between the HUB and the DEV spokes. TheElectronically Steerable Optical Array of FIG. 1 offers wavelength andspatial diversity for multiple optical LANs. Some such devices andsystems are disclosed in International Application No.PCT/US2019/012989; titled METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR TIMING ANDBANDWIDTH MANAGEMENT OF ULTRA-WIDEBAND, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS;filed Jan. 10, 2019; the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

FIG. 12 depicts a graph 1200 illustrating a forecast of mobile datatraffic (Source: Cisco VNI Mobile Forecast, 2016) according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. The dilemma for themobile industry is that the capabilities of radio, wireless modems suchas Wi-Fi are not keeping up with the exponential growth of multi-mediacontent on smart phones and tablets. In fact, without data compression,wired connectivity via cables is the only way to transport large amountof data among devices or between the device and the cloud. While newgeneration Wi-Fi standards (802.11ad) are being introduced to increasenetwork speed, the new standards are still inadequate to meet thethroughput requirement of Ultra-High Definition 4K (HDMI2.0, 20 Gbps)video content.

The data throughput of radio transceivers is inherently limited by theavailability of commercial radio spectrum and their limited tuningrange. For example, in IEEE802.11ac standard, the channel bandwidths arespecified at either 80 MHz or 160 MHz in the 5 GHz ISM band. Withchannel bonding, Wi-Fi 802.11ac transceivers have been operated atspeeds approaching 1 Gbps. A single user operating at such speeds willuse up the entire bandwidth of the local hot-spot! The IEEE802.11adstandard (WiGig™) takes advantage of higher spectrum availability in the57-64 GHz band (V-band). With about 7 GHz spectrum available, speeds of5 Gbps have been demonstrated and potential speeds of 7Gbps usingmulti-carrier OFDM modulation are being pursued. Millimeter-wave radiotransceivers have significant complexity and costs associated with themand suffer from multi-path and other channel impairments in an indooroperation. Additionally, the ranges of 802.11ad Wi-Fi modems are limitedto 2-3 meters even with complex beam-forming antennas. A competingwireless radio solution (802.11ax) called MU-MIMO (Multi-User,Multi-Input, Multi-Output) operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz unlicensedbands is getting momentum due to the better propagation characteristicsin those bands. This system utilizes 4×4 MIMO configurations to createspatial diversity and enable 1.7 Gbps or higher throughput per user in aWi-Fi hotspot.

The electronically steerable optical dome can be used as multi-useraccess point for ultra-high speed communication hotspot. The proposedsolution will integrate a number of multi-beam, multi-wavelength opticaltransmit/receive (T/R) modules in an electronically, steerable arraywhich enable secure, real-time, high-speed communication among multiplemobile and fixed communication nodes as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 . Thescanning optical array can maintain effective communication links amongmultiple mobile access points. The electronically steerable high-speedaccess point can be installed both inside a building and outdoor forultra-high speed wireless communication links for multiple mobile andfixed nodes. The multiple nodes are supported either by multi-beam andmulti-wavelength capability or multi-beam spatially separated channels.Multi-beam (MIMO spatial diversity), multi-wavelength (frequencydiversity) operation along with electronic beam steering offerultra-wideband, full-duplex communication links among various nodes inthe network and the gateway that are moving and varying orientationrelative to each other in a dynamic environment. With optimum selectionof wavelengths, the entire indoor/outdoor network can operate inall-weather conditions over a vast area with minimal susceptibility tointerference and jamming.

The key advantages of using electronically steerable high speed hotspotfor wireless networks are: 1) Extremely high data rates per individualnode, 2) Electronically fast, steerable beams which can maintain goodlinks among mobile nodes, 3) Low path losses and all-weather performancethrough proper selection of the optical wavelengths, 4) Securecommunication through optical beams with wavelength hopping which arenot susceptible to interference and jamming by virtue of spatial andwavelength diversity, 5) Low power consumption due to low path lossesand high quantum efficiency of optical LEDs as compared to transmissionefficiency of linear microwave/mm-wave power amplifiers, and 6) Smallsize (volume, weight) and cost for the optical array dome.

II. Backside Patterning to Improve LED External Efficiency

The MQW GaAs based LEDs have extremely high internal quantum efficiencyclose to 99%. However, the external quantum efficiency of GaAs LEDs isgreatly confined as a result of narrow escape cone and Fresnel loss ofthe radiation at the semiconductor-air interface. The critical angle ofLEDs is typically very low due to the large refractive index differencesemiconductor and air. The escape cone at the interface of GaAs(RI=3.52) and air at 1 μm wavelength is 16.5°, as imposed by Snell'slaw. This narrow escape cone for spontaneous emission covers a solidangle of ≈(n_(m) ²/4n_(s) ²)×4Π sr, n_(s) is the refractive index of thesemiconductor and nm is the refractive index of the lens material orfree space. For GaAs based LEDs, a mere 2% of the internally generatedlight can escape into free space, the rest suffering total internalreflection and reabsorption. Considering Fresnel reflection loses forboth TE and TM polarization radiations, the transmissivity between airand semiconductor interface is given by T=4n_(s)/(1+n_(s))². The Fresnelreflection loss between GaAs and air interface is 30%. Because of totalinternal reflection and Fresnel reflection losses caused by high indexof GaAs based materials, only a fraction of light can escape from GaAsmaterial into air. This diminishes the external efficiency of GaAs basedLEDs considerably. The external efficiency of GaAs LEDs is around 1.4%.

The LED external efficiency is increased by, 1) texturing the LEDsurface to the escape cone area, 2) deposition of anti-reflectioncoating (ARC) at the interface of semiconductor and air to diminish theFresnel reflection loss. The key to increasing the photon escapeprobability from the semiconductor die is to increase the emissionescape cone. This is done by patterning the semiconductor surfacethrough which the optical radiation is extracted. In the flip-chip LEDdesign where the optical radiation is extracted from the backside,pattering is implemented on the backside surface to increase the LEDexternal efficiency. Anti-reflection coating is deposited conformablyover the patterned surface to diminish the losses due to Fresnelreflection. LUMEOVA developed a novel surface pattering design whichimproves the external efficiency of LEDs significantly.

FIG. 13 depicts a diagram 1300 illustrating an example of surfacepattern design to increase the LED external efficiency according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. In this example, abackside surface pattern design on GaAs substrate is illustrated. Thebackside surface is patterned using triangular-shaped indentations oflength ‘L’ and depth ‘D’. The backside surface above the LED activeregion which is inside the escape cone of the material is kept flat. Theflat surface is shaped as square, rectangular or circular depending onthe radiation pattern of the light source.

FIG. 14 depicts a diagram 1400 illustrating an example of top view ofthe LED patterned surface for rectangular light source according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. Beyond the flatregion, the backside surface is indented in triangular shapes. In thisexample, the backside flat region and the indentations are designed insquared shapes.

FIG. 15 depicts a diagram 1500 illustrating an example of top view ofthe LED patterned surface for line shaped light source according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. The shapes of theindentations can be designed to be semi-spherical, hexagonal,triangular, rectangular or other shapes depending on the designrequirements, material and processing techniques.

FIG. 16 depicts a graph 1600 illustrating an example of efficiencyversus triangular indentation dimensions for GaAs based LED according toan embodiment of the subject matter described herein. The ratio of theindentations' depth and length determine the LED external efficiency asillustrated. Triangular indentations of length 10 μm and depth 4 μm,raise the external efficiency of GaAs LED from 1.4% to 35%. The novelsurface texturing design to increase the LED external efficiencies canbe implemented to other material systems like GaN, GaSb, InP, Si, Geetc.

III. Optical Module with Integrated Optical Filter(s)

In order to efficiently use the wide optical spectra for high-speedwireless communication, LUMEOVA' s WiRays™ wireless optical solutionemploys wavelength diversity, i.e. use of multiple, simultaneouswavelength (frequency) channels. Each optical channel (band) has itsdefined center wavelength and bandwidth which can be implemented throughthe use of an optical band select filter with optimum bandwidth. Theoptical band select filter comprises one or multiple layers of specialoptical coatings on glass or other material substrates withpre-determined index of refraction and thickness for each layer. Suchfilters are commonly used in optical systems such as camera optics toeliminate undesired optical signals. An example of such filters isanti-reflection (AR) coatings on optical camera lenses. Each module ofLUMEOVA optical wireless transceiver (Tx/Rx) can incorporate an opticalband select filter (e.g. bandpass filter with center wavelength designedfor each channel wavelength). Such filters can also include an opticalpolarizing layer which converts the unpolarized transmitted light froman LED to a polarized light with specific polarization. Such apolarizing filter can be used to significantly enhance the communicationlink between the LED and detector by reducing reception of unwantedsignals resulting from multi-path reflections that are common inshort-range FSO communication. It can also double data throughputthrough the use of dual polarization diversity, i.e. simultaneouscommunication over the same wavelength channel using two orthogonalpolarization filters. In LUMEOVA's solution, the optical band selectfilters with or without polarizing layer can be integrated into the FSOmodule by one of the following methods.

For method 1, the optical filter is deposited on any or all the surfacesof the optical lens in the FSO module. FIG. 17 depicts a diagram 1700illustrating a single or multi-layer optical filter is deposited on topof the optical lens surface according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. FIG. 18 depicts a diagram 1800 illustrating asingle or multi-layer optical filter deposited on the bottom of theoptical lens surface according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein. FIG. 19 depicts a diagram 1900 illustrating a singleor multi-layer optical filter deposited on all sides of the optical lenssurface according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein.

For method 2, FIG. 20 depicts a diagram 2000 illustrating a single ormulti-layer optical filter deposited on a physically separate elementplaced in between the LED and Detector die and the lens according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein.

For method 3, the optical filter is deposited on the radiating(detecting) surface of the LED and/or semiconductor die. FIG. 21 depictsa diagram 2100 illustrating a single or multi-layer optical filterdeposited on the radiating or detecting surface of the LED and/ordetector semiconductor die according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. This configuration has the advantage that theoptical traces leaving or entering the LED/Detector dies do notexperience as much divergence, hence resulting in better control of thefilter bandpass.

For method 4, another implementation of the optical module withintegrated optical lens and filter(s) is disclosed. FIG. 22 depicts adiagram 2200 illustrating a single or multi-layer optical filterdeposited on the micro-lens or patterned surface of the LED and/orDetector semiconductor die according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. In this implementation, the single- ormulti-layer optical filter is deposited on the patterned backside(radiating or detecting side) of the optical chip. The patterned surfacecan include an array of micro-lenses designed to increase the opticalfield of view and the external optical radiation efficiency. This canalso eliminate the need for an external, discrete optical lens and/orfilter element in the module.

IV. Wafer Level Packaging and Assembly of Optical Modules withElectronic Circuits

Performance of the ultra-high-speed optical modules may be adverselyaffected by the interface to the electronic circuits which are used todrive the transmitter module or the receive module via thetransimpedance amplifier. The electronics circuits can be and often areimplemented on a different semiconductor substrate material such as Sithan those of the optical devices. The electrical bandwidth and speed ofthe transmission can be extremely sensitive to the parasitic inductanceand capacitance associated with the transition and interconnect from theelectronics semiconductor component to the optical semiconductor device.The following paragraphs disclose chip-stack packaging approaches whichreduce the undesirable parasitic effect of the interconnect and reducesoptical module size.

FIG. 23 depicts a diagram 2300 illustrating a top view and FIG. 24illustrates a diagram 2400 illustrating a side view of a chip-stackpackaging implementation of an optical module which minimizes theinterface parasitics between electronic chip and optical chips therebyincreasing bandwidth and reducing size of the module according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. In thisimplementation the optical die is flip-chip assembled onto theelectronics die. The electronics die is mounted to the module packagesubstrate or lead-frame and then wire-bonded or connected via a separatetab to the package substrate electrical traces or the leads. The bondwires or traces on the connecting tab carry electrical signals such asbut not limited to data, control and bias signals which are lesssensitive to inductance of the bond wires. In this arrangement, theradiation and reception of optical signal occur through the backside ofthe optical die which faces the front side of the optical module whilethe electrical signals come through the backside of the module via thepackage substrate or leads. This approach has the additional benefit inthat it enables integration of the optical lens and/or micro-lens andoptical filter on the backside of the optical die as discussed inprevious section. Additional housing, optical filters, optical lens orlenses can be added to the module if necessary.

FIG. 25 depicts a diagram 2500 illustrating a top view and FIG. 26depicts a diagram 2600 illustrating a side view of an alternativechip-stack packaging of the optical module according to an embodiment ofthe subject matter described herein. As shown in diagram 2500 anddiagram 2600, the signal transition between the electronics chip and thepackaging substrate may be implemented by through substrate vias (TSV)or hot vias. In this implementation the electronics die is face upmounted on the packaging substrate and signals are transferred to thebackside of the die by TSV where pads are placed and for example solderball mounted to the substrate. In the alternative chip-stack packaging,the optical chips are flip-chip mounted on the electronics die, and theelectronics die is face up mounted on the packaging board. TSV is usedto transit the signal from the top side of the electronics die to thebackside. Additional housing, sealing, lens and optical filters can beassembled on the top side of the module.

FIG. 27 depicts a diagram 2700 illustrating a top view and FIG. 28depicts a diagram 2800 illustrating a side view of anotherimplementation of the chip-stack packaging of the optical moduleincorporating optical and electronics chips according to an embodimentof the subject matter described herein. In diagram 2700 and diagram2800, the optical die is flip-chip mounted on the electronics die andthe electronics chip is face-down flip-chip mounted onto the packagesubstrate. The radiation/reception is through an opening (opticalwindow) in the module package substrate placed underneath the opticaldie. Additional seal, lenses and filters may be added on the backside ofthe substrate package.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed inseries, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel,or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbersnoted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employdiffering values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further embodiments of thedisclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theteachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure underthe claims.

1. An electronically steerable optical device comprising: a reflector/collimator disk; and an optical array module mechanically positioned at a focal plane of the reflector/collimator disk.
 2. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 1, wherein the reflector/collimator disk is configured to provide an increase of an effective aperture size of the optical array module.
 3. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical array module is an optical receiver array module.
 4. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical array module is an optical transmitter array module.
 5. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 4, wherein each optical transmitter of the optical transmitter array module is a coherent optical source.
 6. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 4, wherein each optical transmitter of the optical transmitter array module is a non-coherent optical source.
 7. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical array module comprises a plurality of optical devices mechanically positioned in an approximate dome arrangement.
 8. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 7, wherein each optical device of the plurality of optical devices is electronically selectable to provide optical steering.
 9. The electronically steerable optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical array module and the reflector/collimator disk are configured to provide free space optical (FSO) communications.
 10. A free space optical (FSO) system comprising: an electronically steerable optical transmit device comprising: a first reflector/collimator disk; and an optical transmitter array module mechanically positioned at a focal plane of the first reflector/collimator disk; and an electronically steerable optical receive device comprising: a second reflector/collimator disk; and an optical transmitter array module mechanically positioned at a focal plane of the second reflector/collimator disk.
 11. An optical apparatus comprising: a semiconductor optical device comprising: an optical source implemented on an optical die, the optical die comprising: a frontside surface implementing flip-chip bonding to an electronics die; and a backside surface configured for optical emmision, wherein the backside surface includes patterning configured for: increasing effective surface area; and increasing external optical radiation efficiency.
 12. The optical apparatus of claim 11, wherein the patterning includes triangular indentations.
 13. The optical apparatus of claim 11, wherein the backside surface is configured to improve light extraction efficiency from the optical source.
 14. The optical apparatus of claim 12, wherein the backside surface further includes an escape cone area having a relatively flat surface and the triangular indentations surround the escape cone area.
 15. The optical apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pattering includes at least one of semi-spherical shapes, hexagonal shapes, triangular shapes, and rectangular shapes.
 16. An optical apparatus comprising: a semiconductor optical device comprising: an optical detector implemented on an optical die, the optical die comprising: a frontside surface implementing flip-chip bonding to an electronics die; and a backside surface configured for optical reception, wherein the backside surface includes patterning configured for increasing effective surface area.
 17. The optical apparatus of claim 16, wherein the patterning includes triangular indentations.
 18. The optical apparatus of claim 16, wherein the backside surface is configured to improve light extraction efficiency for the optical detector.
 19. The optical apparatus of claim 17, wherein the backside surface further includes a capture cone area having a relatively flat surface and the triangular indentations surround the capture cone area.
 20. The optical apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pattering includes at least one of semi-spherical shapes, hexagonal shapes, triangular shapes, and rectangular shapes. 